Grilled Croque Madame on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Croque Madame is a French classic, similar to the Croque Monsieur, but with a fried or poached egg on top. This grilled version takes the sandwich to a new level, combining ham, creamy béchamel sauce, and melted cheese, all topped with a runny egg. Cooking it on the Arteflame grill adds a subtle smokiness and perfect crispness to the bread. Ideal for brunch or lunch, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

• 8 slices of thick-cut white bread or sourdough
• 8 slices of ham (Parisian or smoked)
• 8 slices of Gruyère, Emmental, or Raclette cheese (about 1 1/2 cups grated)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 tbsp butter (for grilling)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk (warmed)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyère or Emmental cheese (optional for a cheesy béchamel)

For the Eggs:

• 4 large eggs (fried or poached)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Light the Arteflame grill using vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Let the grill heat for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches a moderate temperature, perfect for grilling the sandwiches and frying the eggs.

Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce

In a grill-safe pan or small saucepan on the flat cooktop, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, stirring until the sauce thickens. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. For an extra cheesy twist, stir in the grated cheese. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Croque Madame

Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. Layer ham and cheese on 4 slices of the bread. Spread a generous amount of béchamel sauce on top of the cheese, then top with the remaining slices of bread to form sandwiches.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches

Melt butter on the flat cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Place the sandwiches on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Fry the Eggs

Once the sandwiches are grilled, melt a little more butter on the flat cooktop and fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, or cook to your desired level of doneness.

Step 6: Serve

Top each grilled sandwich with a fried egg and a little extra béchamel sauce if desired. Serve immediately with a side salad, French fries, or pickles for a perfect bistro-style meal.

Tips

• Egg Perfection: For a runny yolk, fry the eggs for about 2-3 minutes, or cover them with a lid for quicker cooking.
• Crispy Bread: Press the sandwiches gently while grilling to get the bread extra crispy.
• Cheese Options: Gruyère is the traditional choice, but Raclette or Emmental add a great flavor as well.

Variations

1. Herbed Croque Madame: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the béchamel sauce for an herby twist.
2. Spicy Croque Madame: Mix a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the béchamel for a spicy kick.
3. Mushroom Croque Madame: Add sautéed mushrooms between the ham and cheese for a heartier sandwich.
4. Bacon Croque Madame: Replace the ham with crispy bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
5. Vegetarian Croque Madame: Omit the ham and use grilled vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Best Pairings

• Side Dishes: Serve with a green salad, grilled vegetables, or French fries to balance the richness of the sandwich.
• Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay, a cold lager, or a fresh mimosa for brunch.

Conclusion

This Grilled Croque Madame with its smoky, crispy bread, melted cheese, creamy béchamel, and perfectly fried egg is the ultimate brunch or lunch dish. With the Arteflame grill, you get a golden, toasty sandwich that is sure to be a hit.